Some cheaper models for the Indian market, ranging from Rs 25,000-30,000, says O P Munjal, CMD of Hero Cycles.

The much-hyped international bicycle expo on Friday started on the ground of the Government College for Girls on a low-key affair because of bad weather. Heavy rainfall on Thursday night had made the ground muddy, making it difficult for the visitors to walk.

The bicycles costing in lakhs have select buyers in India and the majority of cyclists preparing for national and international events buy such cycles, maintain the manufacturers. “Still, we do get few buyers who are crazy about their health and also want the best models,” said Gaurav Munjal, MD, Hero Ecotech Limited.

The ebike of Hero Eco-tech is an export model, but the company authorities said that they had put the model on display to see the public response. The company also introduced some cheaper models for the Indian market, ranging from Rs 25,000-30,000.

O P Munjal, CMD of Hero Cycles, said as carbon frame was very light, the cost of the product went up. “No doubt, the majority of the hi-end models were focussed aiming at the export market, but at the same time now there was a market for such brands within India as well,” he added.

The authorities at Firefox said, “Around 150-200 bicycle models ranging from Rs 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh are sold every year in the Indian market while we have bicycles priced in the range of Rs 4- 5 lakh too.”

Rishi Pahwa, director of Avon Cycles Limited, said, “The market of hi-end bicycles in India is growing fast compared to black traditional bicycle which has almost become static. Our hi-end bicycle market has grown by 8-10% this year which is significant compared to last year.”

Apart from this, Atlas participated for the first time in this expo with its wide variety of hi-end bicycles.

In addition to this, fancy kids’ bicycles, accessories of bicycles and bicycle parts were also displayed at various stalls. However, not many visitors came on the first day because of the weather.